Longevity in Music.

"It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change."

There are artists that are timeless, and artists that move with the time. Its a fine line that you have to walk but I believe the most successful artists are those who are able to recreate themselves without compromising the integrity of their artistry. I look up to the artists who's music seems to always fit the time. Whenever you hear it, you can still relate it to daily life.

On one hand, I strive to write what I THINK people can relate to or what they'll like...but it doesn't always work out for me. I come up with what I think is a really dope punch line or play on words and I might not get a reaction from the crowd that i was hoping for.

Well the other day, I was talking to a friend about this...and now that I think about it the explanation I giving right now probably had nothing to do with her original question...oh well, that's just how my mind works. Anyway, I was telling her about how sometimes I write pieces that are self reflective or just talking about something I've recently been through, or a part of, and I get a lot of positive feedback from those pieces. Those pieces that seem to be too unique or just so crazy that you wouldn't think other people could relate, but they do. Its so ill having someone come up to you and be like, "Yo man, that NLC piece...I'm LIVING that second verse right now!"

So I guess you could say I had a mini revelation while writing this blog. Maybe its more of a question, or even a theory. The way to writing a timeless piece is to write about emotions, or how things make you feel or how it affects you...since history seems to find a way of repeating, that would make emotions/feelings/reactions timeless...I suppose.

With my theory in affect, that makes me question if am now writing to appeal to the people or am I still writing to express myself, my opinions, my thoughts and that just so happen to appeal to the people...in a timeless fashion. :)

only one way to find out...I need to put out some new music!

my goal for the end of summer is 3 new joints.

My birthday Celebration

So my birthday celebration started with the Friday before my birthday by going to the dodger game with the fam. My play sister got us tickets with her sorority...so I copped tickets for the fellas and brought them along...Juan has been a dodger fan for a while but it was cliff's first game and Marvin's 2nd...yo, the night was dope!



You know me and notes had to take a picture after the game with the field in the background....but telephoto lens and two big men equals not being able to see the field in the background.



Saturday we shot out to Riverside to see Common. The concert was dope, Com rocked the show. He got the crowd involved, had the people moving and it was just a great high energy event. Amanda was the coordinator for the whole gig. I have not seen a Spring Splash concert done so well in all my years at UCR. From the dope Graffiti you see behind us, to the amazing artist line up...big ups to Amanda!



They day of. So I am a cinco de mayo baby. Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures with my family...but all the fellas, minus a couple, made it out to the house since my moms was preparing enchiladas and baked a cake. Yes, they ALL talked smack about me being 24 and having cake and ice cream for my birthday...but none of them turned down a plate! After the family stuff we headed out to El Torrito for taco Tuesday and then out to Downtown Fully to check out what DJ Roial 1 was spinning at Florentines....his play lists are ill...he is a dope DJ. He really understands a crowd and knows what will make them move. I think people forget that its the DJ that makes any spot dope...and when you pay a cover charge to get into a spot your paying for the DJ that is spinning...so pick your shows wisely.



Including my family...this is who i spent the night time portion of my birthday with. Sadly, my dude Juan's car broke down on him so he couldn't make it out...but it was a beautiful night. I had my people with with me. I felt the loved. I haven't been one to celebrate my birthday...and in all honesty its probably because my 21st was so traumatic seeing how it was the day of ray's viewing. But even before then I just haven't been one to celebrate.

I am so blessed...from my brothers, to my family, to the fellas and every one else that is in my life...I embody all of their influences...whether it be in my work, my actions or my music...their impact is strong.

I feel that 23 was a great year and I accomplished a lot and grew so much within a short time. I took risks, and followed my instincts (haha..not those ones) ...I messed up, but I learned from it.

So I just want to thank everyone in my life for making this year such a great year...and thank you in advance for the years to come. And of course thank you to big guns up stairs for giving me another day, and beautiful one at that.


Be Safe.